I picked this book up after I heard this author interviewed on NPR and the book sounded interesting, I did not experience flow while I read this book.
I picked this book up after I heard this author interviewed on NPR and the book sounded interesting, but it really wasn't. I'm fascinated by the concept of flow, which was what this book was supposed to be about, and it was...a little. Mostly it read like a history book about ancient Asian religions, which I'm also interested in, but the book was dry, flat and boring.
I read this as an audio book and I was trying not to stop listening to it. Then I tried not to try and get through it. That didn't work, so I tried really hard to listen and pay attention. That wasn't happening, so I just let it play because I refused to give up on it and from time to time there was something kind of interesting of which I would respond with an audible "huh".
I love the Dalai Lama. Every time I hear him in an interview I smile from ear to ear, I can't help myself.
But I have read several of his books and eaI love the Dalai Lama. Every time I hear him in an interview I smile from ear to ear, I can't help myself.
But I have read several of his books and each and every one was difficult to get through. I listened to this audio, which helps me actually finish books like these, but I had a hard time focusing on what was being said. My mind kept wandering every which way. Funny thing since a lot of this was, of course, about meditation practice, which is all about focusing the mind!
I had to laugh at myself many times through this because invariably he would be talking about focusing the mind while mine was happily off somewhere else.......I would think "Crap! Stephanie he said FOCUS!"
Sitting still and concentrating on your breathing and not thinking of anything else might not sound that hard, but it is. Try thisMeditation is hard.
Sitting still and concentrating on your breathing and not thinking of anything else might not sound that hard, but it is. Try this......
Sit in an upright position (Indian style, criss cross applesauce....whatever they call it these days) someplace where you won't be disturbed Close your eyes, and as you breath through your nose concentrate on the tip of the nostrils and count each breath until you get to ten......and DON'T think of anything else, and don't fall asleep. Getting to 4 is a challenge!
I decided I was going to make an effort to meditate on a daily basis. What it does for you is helps you achieve 'mindfulness', basically staying in the present moment during the rest of the time you're not meditating. It's brain exersicing. I know this sounds new age-y, but hear me out, pay attention to your thoughts at any given moment. They are nutty, and almost always about the past or the future. That on the surface doesn't sound that bad until you realize thinking about the past usually brings sorrow or regrets.......paths not taken....... and since the past is fixed there's no point to the torture. The future is usually about fear and worry, which doesn't do anything for you either. Staying present in the moment is loads better.
So, now on my break I go to the local park to do the meditation thing. Some days are better than others. Today? Not so good. It went like this......
Breath....1........ Breath.....2........I didn't think anything, good, Crap that was a thought! Start over.
Breath......1......... Breath........2......... Breath.......3........[flash of a women dancing and laughing] WTF? That was a strange image, I should that in the review......AWE COME ON! ......starting over.....
Breath.......1......... Breath........2.......
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
*thunder*
.........WHAAAAT? Okay, I'm giving up.
This book was a pretty good introduction to Buddhist Philosophy. It was part biography of the author as well, telling his story about owning a bunch of companies and how all the stress of it nearly killed him. He turned to meditation after his doctor recommended it. This is worth listening to more than once. ...more
I going to tell you a little secret. I have this plan. I read these books on Buddhism because one day when I am old and can't take care of myselfPsst.
I going to tell you a little secret. I have this plan. I read these books on Buddhism because one day when I am old and can't take care of myself that good anymore, when I am close to homeless and seriously considering cat food as an option, I will walk into the nearest Buddhist temple thingy and offer myself up as a monk.
Sure I will have to shave my head and wear orange, but I'll just be old enough that I won't care about being cute anymore.
excellent...there is alot to be learned frome this guy. I am sure I will listen to this one over and over again. I learned alot of this from the Ekartexcellent...there is alot to be learned frome this guy. I am sure I will listen to this one over and over again. I learned alot of this from the Ekart Tolle books, this just added a little more!...more
Stephanie *Eff your feelings*
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